NFL Fantasy Football Injury Report: Latest Updates on Week 1 Injuries

Week 1 is in the books, which means it’s time to look back at the week and make sense of all the big injury news from the weekend’s slate of games. Since it’s only Tuesday, all information is speculative and based on available information, so things can change between now and the weekend. Keep an eye on news as it leaks out throughout the week and follow me on Twitter for breaking news as it happens (z_dahdul) or go to the FFLockerRoom home page and check out our feed with all my tweets updating live.

Bad break (literally) for Patriots’ RB Shane Vereen, who suffered an injury to his wrist during Sunday’s win over Buffalo. According to numerous reports, including the Boston Herald, Vereen broke a bone in his hand and will miss “a few weeks” following surgery to stabilize the fracture. However, other reports did mention Vereen suffering a dislocation, which is when a bone is actually displaced from it’s anatomical position, but doesn’t always include a fracture. The dislocation would be a more precarious situation, as stabilizing a dislocated bone is much trickier than stabilizing a run of the mill fracture. Regardless, Vereen is slated to miss at least 3-4 weeks at a minimum and will likely play with either a soft cast or brace on the hand once he returns. This is good news for Stevan Ridleyowners, who was likely on his way to the doghouse had it not been for this injury. Look for Leon Washingtonand Brandon Boldento be called on to fill Vereen’s important 3rd down role.

Scary situation at Cowboy stadium when WR Dez Bryantwent down with a foot injury in the 2nd half of the Cowboys’ win over the Giants. An MRI after the game diagnosed Bryant with a “sprained foot“, the extent of which hasn’t been reported yet. The fact that he was able to finish the game is a good sign for his prognosis and the mechanism of injury isn’t consistent with a more serious midfoot issue like a Lisfranc injury. Watch his practice participation this week, especially once Friday rolls around, to get a good idea about his availability this weekend.

Another injury during the Cowboys-Giants game that scared many fantasy owners (including me) occurred near the end of the first half when Tony Romowas sandwiched on a hit from two Giants’ defenders after throwing a pass downfield. Initial reports stated that he just had the wind knocked out of him, but word came out later that they X-rayed his ribs and the results were negative. No word on whether Romo will have to wear extra padding during Week 2, but it most definitely wouldn’t be a bad idea considering his injury history. He looks to be fine for this upcoming week against Kansas City.

In other Patriots injury news, Zach Sudfeldcapped off a very disappointing debut with a hamstring injury while Danny Amendola‘s gutsy performance during week 1 overshadowed the fact that he re-injured his already strained groin. No word yet on both of their availabilities, but since they’re both muscle strains (of unknown severity) and the Patriots are on a short week, there is always the possibility that both miss this week’s game. Expect both of these guys to be game time decisions, as they were both limited in practice on Monday. My money is on Amendola playing considering how short-handed the WR corp already is, but keep an eye on this situation as it unfolds.

UPDATE (9/10/13 10:40am): According to NFL.com’s Ian Rappaport, Amendola is “almost certain” to miss Week 2’s game against the Jets.

However, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder, no official decision has been made. This seems to be a work in progress, but don’t get thrown off one way or another by his designation unless he’s officially ruled out. Expect Amendola to be a game time decision.

Apparently Roddy Whitewas more hurt than he let on, and he’s been given the dreaded high ankle sprain diagnosis, reportedly. This injury obviously limited White during Sunday’s loss to the Saints, as he was basically a decoy out there. If he truly does have a high ankle sprain (also known as a syndesmodic sprain), he could be limited for at least a few more weeks, depending on whether he continues to try to play through it or not. My guess is he’ll continue to play, but it’s hard for this type of injury to heal while it’s continually being pounded. It’s extremely difficult for a WR to plant and cut and break off routes when there is instability at the ankle joint, so even if he’s out on the field, he may not be a great option. Hard to say at this point what White and the Falcons’ training staff will do, but it bears watching his participation level this week.

Blaine Gabbertwill be out this week against the Raiders. I’m just trying to figure out if anyone cares? Anyways, he suffered a laceration to his throwing hand during Sunday’s game, which required stitches. He was already dealing with a thumb issue, so this early designation should allow the laceration to heal and give his thumb some rest in order to help with his grip and strength of his throwing hand. Chad Hennegets the start this week, but again, you reeeeaaally shouldn’t care.

Maurice Jones-Drewhad a relatively quiet return to the field Sunday, logging 15 carries for 45 yards and not catching a pass out of the backfield. Gabbert being out actually serves as a blessing for MJD, as Henne is a much more proficient passer and, while terribly inconsistent, will at least make defenses think twice before stacking eight in the box. I expect MJD to slowly get his feet under him and hit the ground running Week 2, as he actually looked very good moving around on the field. If you own him, stay patient. I think he serves as a terrific buy low guy if you find an owner who’s already willing to cut bait.

Reggie Bushsuffered a mild groin strain and dislocated left thumb during Sunday’s win over the Vikings. I’m not too concerned about either one, as Bush played the entire game and didn’t appear to be favoring the groin strain at all. Don’t be alarmed if he rests a bit during the week, as he should be a full participant, barring setback, once Friday rolls around. Although these types of injuries can linger, this appears to be very minor in nature and shouldn’t cause Bush to be limited or miss time.

Ziad graduated from the University of Southern California with a doctorate in Physical Therapy. An avid Fantasy Football enthusiast, he brings with him a desire to introduce sports medicine to the reader and help better explain what to expect on the injury side of things. Ziad became a Board Certified Orthopaedic specialist in 2014, a distinction held by <10% of physical therapists in the country.
Follow Ziad on Twitter (z_dahdul) for breaking injury news and analysis

Fantasy Player News

Armando Salguero, via Twitter, has reported that free agent running back Stevan Ridley, who underwent surgery to repair his torn ACL and MCL last November, is visiting with the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday. This is one of the teams I expected to bring him in for a visit. The Dolphins prefer to operate as a running back by committee and Ridley would be a nice compliment to speed back Lamar Miller. If signed, Ridley and Miller would have fantasy value in the Dolphins offensive scheme. He would have to settle for a one year “prove it” type of contract.

Ian Rapoport, via Twitter, has reported that the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to terms with wide receiver Miles Austin on a one-year $2.3 million contract. He is coming off a 2014 with the Cleveland Browns where he finished with 47 receptions, 568 yards, and three touchdowns. Hamstring injuries have taken away Austin’s athletic ability as he struggles to separate from defenders. I view him as backup in 2015. The fantasy value of Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff continue to trend up.

ESPN reporter Josina Anderson has reported that free agent WR Hakeem Nicks is visiting with the San Francisco 49ers. Just like Michael Crabtree, lower leg injuries have taken away his athleticism and ability to create separation. Nicks bet on himself in 2014 with the Indianapolis Colts and finished with 38 receptions, 405 yards, and four touchdowns. He will unlikely be on the fantasy radar heading into the 2015 season.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Sam Bradford contemplated retiring from the NFL after his second left ACL tear in 2014. He has also come back from right shoulder surgery and a left ACL tear. Former Oklahoma QB Josh Huepel reportedly talked Bradford out of retiring. In my opinion, the Philadelphia Eagles and any other NFL team looking into him have conducted proper due diligence. Teams are aware of his injury history and mental makeup. Is Bradford’s upside worth the risk? The Eagles have yet to find a mobile quarterback to properly threaten defenses with the zone read. I see Bradford being traded prior to the NFL Draft or on draft day.

Kris Bryant was reassigned to minor league camp today but unlike Javier Baez, his stay there is likely to be brief. Bryant was the top hitter in the Cactus League, blasting homers off any and all he faced. By sending him down, and keeping him down for at least two weeks, the Cubs will retain an extra year of control on him. It’s a stupid rule that Major League Baseball needs to revisit. If the Cubs miss the playoffs by just a few games, they can likely blame this move for it.

The Cubs have optioned Javier Baez to the minors. Last year Baez hit .169 with 95 strikeouts in only 52 games and this spring he picked up right where he left off. Tommy La Stella and Arismendy Alcantara will get the starts at second base. Baez is still only 22 years old but with Addison Russell also in the Cubs system, he better lose his Pedro Cerrano ways and learn to hit the off speed stuff if he wants to be a Cub.

Denver Broncos.com has reported that Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak has confirmed C.J. Anderson will open OTAs as the team’s starting running back. He said that “I think he’s shown he has all the ability to be an excellent starter in this league, so we’re really looking forward to working with him.” Anderson is a perfect fit in running zone schemes because he’s a north-south runner and has the patience to let the play continually develop until the optimal choice for the running lane is shown. This news, although expected, solidifies Anderson as a top 10 running back heading into fantasy drafts this summer.

Mike Jurecki, via Twitter, reported that Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians would like to see more “consistency” from wide receiver Michael Floyd in his fourth NFL season. Arians went on to mention Floyd was a “victim” of the Cardinals revolving door at QB and feels he is a “1,000 yard player every year.” The 13th pick in the 2012 draft was on a number of sleeper lists heading into the 2014 season. It would help Floyd’s production if the Cardinals expand his route tree in their offensive game plan instead of using him on vertical routes. He finished last season with 47 receptions, 844 yards, and six touchdowns. Floyd finished the season with 3rd most deep targets in the league.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported that Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy wants to keep Eddie Lacy fresh by limiting his touches. This strategy makes sense because he is a high injury risk given his history. Despite not being used as a workhorse in 2014 Lacy was very efficient finishing with 1,751 total yards and 13 touchdowns on 328 touches. He will be a top three running back heading into fantasy football drafts this summer.

ESPN Boston has reported that free agent running back Stevan Ridley will visit with NFL teams this week. In 2014, with the New England Patriots, Ridley had 94 carries for 340 rushing yards and two touchdowns before a torn ACL and MCL ended his season. He is expected to be cleared in about six weeks and should find an opportunity as an early-down back on a short-term deal. Ridley is a low risk, high upside signing who could help a team like the Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, or the Minnesota Vikings.